A Leg Up (also known as Free Will and Gimme One Step) is a recurring endurance challenge in Survivor.
Rules[]
Castaways must balance a ceramic vase on the end of a balance beam with one leg. When they can no longer take the pain or lose their balance, their vase will drop and shatter, eliminating them from the challenge. The last person with an intact vase would win. In Survivor 45, castaways balanced a ball instead of a vase on a circular platform.
History[]
United States[]
The challenge premiered as the final Redemption Island duel in Redemption Island. Grant Mattos dropped out first, followed later by Redemption Island champion, Matt Elrod. It came down to Andrea Boehlke and Mike Chiesl, with Mike being unable to keep his vase balanced, allowing Andrea to became the first woman to win a duel and re-enter the game.
The challenge reappeared in Blood vs. Water, as the final duel between Tina Wesson, Laura Morett, and Hayden Moss. Laura M. struggled throughout the challenge, though Hayden was the first out. Laura M. asked Tina to throw the challenge to her, but the latter said no. Laura M. dropped out second, giving Tina the win and allowing her to re-enter the game.
It reappeared as the final eight Reward Challenge in Kaôh Rōng. In a twist, the castaways would only have to outlast the castaways who have chosen the same type of reward as them. Joe del Campo dropped out quickly, allowing Julia Sokolowski to win her letter from home. Michele Fitzgerald was able to outlast Kyle Jason and Scot Pollard to win beer and a plate of food. Finally, Tai Trang outlasted Cydney Gillon and Aubry Bracco to win an advantage, which was later revealed to be an Extra Vote.
The challenge appeared as an Immunity Challenge for the first time at the final six of Survivor 45. Around 12 minutes in, only Austin Li Coon and Dee Valladares were left in the challenge. Dee ultimately outlasted Austin to win her second individual Immunity Challenge.
Australia[]
New Zealand[]
Quebec[]
South Africa[]
In Immunity Island, the challenge appeared as a combined Reward/Immunity Challenge; as part of the Tied Destinies twist, the last person standing will also win reward and immunity for their partner. 20 minutes into the challenge, a gust of wind knocked over most of the remaining castaways, leaving Amy Eliason and Nicole Wilmans to battle it out for immunity. After 1 hour 30 minutes, Amy was taken out by a leg cramp, giving Nicole her first individual immunity win and also affording immunity to Nicole's partner Anela Majozi.
Winners[]
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redemption Island "Seems Like a No Brainer" |
Duel |  Andrea Boehlke | ||
| Blood vs. Water "It's My Night" |
Duel |  Tina Wesson | ||
| Kaôh Rōng "I'm Not Here to Make Good Friends" |
Individual Reward |  Julia Sokolowski |
 Michele Fitzgerald |
 Tai Trang |
| Survivor 45 "The Ex-Girlfriend at the Wedding" |
Individual Immunity |  Dee Valladares | ||
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Champions v Contenders (2018) Episode 19 |
Individual Immunity |  Shonee Bowtell |
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L'Île au Trésor Episode 12 |
Individual Reward |  Candice Boisson | ||
| Cambodge Episode 10 |
Individual Immunity |  Claire Pradayrol | ||
| Le Combat des Héros Episode 8 |
Team Immunity (Tied Destinies) |
  Javier & Pascal | ||
| Les 4 Terres Episode 9 |
Individual Reward |  Alexandra Pornet |
 Brice Petit |
 Lola Labesse |
| Le Feu Sacré Episode 13 |
Re-entry Duel |  Tania Cakarevic | ||
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Nicaragua Episode 19 |
Individual Immunity (Final Immunity) |
 Avi Duckor-Jones |
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Survivor Québec (2023) Episode 47 |
Individual Reward |  Maryse Lauzon |
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Immunity Island "Tied Destinies" |
Team Reward/Immunity (Tied Destinies) |
  Anela & Nicole |
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Survivor U.K. (2023) Episode 9 |
Individual Immunity |  Doug Swinbanks |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Both times the challenge was used as a duel, it was the last duel of the season.
- Tai Trang is the only man to win this challenge.
References[]